Travel Documents & Paperwork

Start With the Paperwork That Proves Health and Ownership

Document requirements can change by state, event, destination, sale status, and route. Treat this guide as a planning tool, then confirm current rules with your veterinarian, destination facility, event organizer, and the appropriate state or livestock authority.

For long-distance travel, keep both printed and digital copies available. Printed copies matter when cell service is poor, your phone battery dies, or someone else needs to care for your horse in an emergency.

• Current Coggins test when required.
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or health certificate when required.
• Vaccination records, medication notes, and emergency veterinary contacts.
• Keep medication, feeding, and handling instructions with the horse's paperwork.
• Registration papers, bill of sale, lease paperwork, or other proof of ownership.
• Brand inspection or no-brand certificate where applicable.

Build a Travel Folder

A simple waterproof folder can save time during check-in, roadside emergencies, event arrival, or state inspection questions. Keep one copy in the truck and another accessible with your trailer or tack.

• Horse photo, description, markings, and microchip number.
• Owner and emergency contact information.
• Veterinarian and equine hospital phone numbers.
• Feeding, medication, and handling instructions.
• Destination address, layover reservation notes, and backup stop information.
• Place paperwork where another responsible person can find it in an emergency.

Check the Route, Not Just the Destination

Interstate horse travel is not only about where you end up. Requirements may depend on where you cross, unload, stop overnight, sell or transfer ownership, or move through a brand-inspection state.

If you are hauling through western states, review brand inspection rules before departure. Some states require inspections when animals cross state lines, change ownership, or move through specific districts.

• Confirm state entry requirements for every state where you may unload.
• Confirm event, campground, layover, or facility paperwork requirements.
• Confirm whether brand inspection rules apply to your horse, mule, donkey, burro, or miniature horse.
• Save state agriculture, livestock board, or brand inspection contact information before departure.